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Concussions, other youth sports topics will be covered in Salem seminar

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In 2011, Naomi Lau, then 14 and a student at Cor Deo Christian Academy in Beaverton, worked with a physical therapist as part of her recovery from a severe concussion suffered when she collided with another swimmer.
(The Oregonian/2011)

Parents, coaches and others are invited to learn about concussion awareness, sports injury identification, sports conditioning and more at the annual YESS Youth Sports Safety Seminar, scheduled this year for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at Chemawa Indian School, 3700 Chemawa Road N.E., in Salem.

The seminar is free for those who pre-register. Admission at the door is $10. Kids in 7th grade and under who are pre-registered and who have a parent or guardian attending the seminar may participate in a free Barton Football Academy session.

Nelson said the biggest challenge he faces is youth athletes, coaches and parents who don't want a player who might have suffered a concussion to come out of a game or miss playing time. His top three tips for parents:

"Be willing to keep a close eye and watch for signs" of a possible concussion. The most common symptoms of a concussion, he said, are headache, blurry vision, being more tired than usual, being more irritable or "down" than usual, having trouble getting to sleep and waking multiple times during the night.

"Stress the importance of being open and honest if they do get hit."

"If your kid does end up with a concussion, try and help us out." Nelson said it's helpful when parents join in doctors' appointments for children with head injuries "so we can all be on the same page."

The seminar satisfies Oregon's new requirements under Jenna's Law that all youth coaches and youth league administrators undergo concussion awareness training. A certificate of completion will be provided upon request.